The United Church of Canada (UCC) was formed in 1925 through the amalgamation of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist Churches. A lot of negotiation, prayer, compromise, and vision happened for a number of years prior to make the ground ready for this momentous decision brought to life in 1925. The goal at the time was to create a uniquely Canadian Church institution and to eventually unite all Christian churches in Canada under one banner. And while the United Brethren joined our ranks in the 60s, the attempts at amalgamating with the Anglicans in the 70s met with too many roadblocks and was eventually abandoned. As a result of this, a new philosophy was adopted embracing ecumenical relations. It was a pivot. The United Church has always been about pivoting.
Broad View United’s (BVU) much shorter life history has encompassed 4 amalgamations in a rather short and intense period of time. Three congregations surrounded UVIC. Each was attempting to serve and draw from a similar population that was shifting and changing. The amalgamation of Cadboro Bay (CBUC) with Gordon Head (GHUC) was a pastoral response by CBUC to the rapidly aging GHUC congregation that was unable to continue on its own.
Then, in 2018, groundwork was laid for St Aidan’s and Cadboro Bay to begin an intentional process of exploring the possibility of amalgamation. During that time, they discovered that they were more similar than dissimilar from one another and that they could be “more together than they were separate”. A vote was held in November of 2019 by both congregations and almost 90% of each voted to amalgamate. A very strong mandate. The amalgamation date was set for Pentecost of 2020. There was much to be done in the interim to get ready: a new name and logo, a decision about location, a new governance model, a new staffing model, a new vision. And then along came COVID in March of the year; right in the middle of all that work. And we pivoted. Again, and again.
Then as we were rounding the corner, in the fall of 2022, with renovations underway for a return to our permanent building and living into our vision, we were approached by First Metropolitan about our openness to considering amalgamating with them; a difficult and faithful initiative in the face of increased costs of remaining in a historic building needing significant renovation. A small team from each board began the negotiations in January 2023, the congregation was brought on board in March of 2023, and a vote by both congregations was also held in 2023. This was likely one of the fastest amalgamation processes in the history of the UCC. Strong support and mandate again emerged from this vote with the goal of a graduated process of amalgamation beginning with staffing in July, sharing the First-Met space August through to November, and moving into our newly renovated space in December of 2023. Wow! A lot of pivoting, a lot of leadership, a lot of grace and flexibility and faithfulness shown by everyone involved. And while it wasn’t perfect, what remained throughout was incredible grace, love, and a willingness to pivot, embrace change, and invest in an unknown future with faithfulness.
BVU's story is not only what has been and all that has brought us to this moment but is most importantly our commitment and dedication to what is emerging: Our investment in dreams and possibilities for the future of Broad View and the United Church. We have been shaped by our history as a denomination, and we are helping to shape the future of the United Church at this critical juncture in the life and history of the United Church. And each of you has played a part and will continue to play a part. Thanks be to God.
Testimonials
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